Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy in Animals

Abstract

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a common form of generalized idiopathic epilepsy which usually has an onset between about 12 and 18 years of age, hence its name. The seizure types which may be seen include myoclonic jerks and seizures, absence seizures, and tonic clonic seizures (Zifkin et al. 2005). The seizures usually occur during daytime, but can occur upon awakening. Clinical examination does not reveal any focal neurological signs, and MRI shows no definitive characteristic anatomical lesions. Psychiatric examination does show a specific personality pattern in about 15% of patients which consists of low self-esteem, emotional instability, lack of discipline, mood changes, etc.